What The Little Mermaid (2023) Is About
This 2023 animated film takes the familiar mermaid-princess premise and steers it in a distinctly comedic direction. The story centers on a mermaid princess who becomes fascinated by the world beyond the ocean—and when she rescues a human from the sea, that curiosity spirals into something far more complicated. She strikes a bargain with a sea witch, a deal that promises to transform her life but comes with unexpected consequences. It's the kind of setup that sounds like it could go either way: heartwarming or chaotic. The film commits fully to the latter, leaning into the absurdity of a mermaid trying to navigate human society while grappling with the weight of her own choices.
Behind the Making of The Little Mermaid (2023)
Directed by Michael Johnson, this Australian-American co-production brings together a voice cast that includes Sonya Krueger, Dee Wallace, Steve Guttenberg, Sharon Desiree, Tammy Klein, Myrom Kingery, and Ryan Ebert. The 98-minute runtime is lean and purposeful—no bloated third act, just a tight story that knows what it wants to say. Rated TV-G, the film is clearly aimed at family audiences, though its comedy sensibilities suggest it's not afraid to throw in jokes that'll land differently depending on whether you're five or forty-five. The production carries the weight of being yet another adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's 1837 fairy tale, a story that's been retold so many times it's practically mythology at this point. What's striking is that this version doesn't seem interested in competing with the Disney legacy or other high-profile takes on the material. Instead, it carves out its own lane—smaller in scope, more willing to embrace silliness, and genuinely committed to the emotional core of a character caught between two worlds. The voice work is solid throughout, with the ensemble cast delivering performances that feel lived-in rather than phoned in.
Why The Little Mermaid (2023) Works as an Animated Comedy
Animation allows this story to do something live-action can't: it lets the absurdity breathe without winking at the camera too hard. There's a freedom in the medium that the filmmakers clearly exploit—the half-fish-out-of-water premise becomes genuinely funny when you're not constrained by practical effects or makeup continuity. The real thematic weight comes from exploring what happens when you sacrifice everything for love, or for the promise of a different life. That's not a new idea, but the film doesn't shy away from making that sacrifice actually matter—there's a genuine sense of loss underneath the comedy, which is what keeps it from feeling like a parody. What I keep coming back to is how the film balances tone. It's funny, sure, but it's not cynical about its own story. The sea witch isn't just a villain; she's a character with her own logic, her own reasons for wanting what she wants. The mermaid princess isn't naive so much as she's hopeful in a way that the ocean—and the world—doesn't reward. That contradiction, that tension between what she wants and what's actually possible, is where the real drama lives. The comedy emerges from that gap, not from cheap gags or talking-animal sidekicks.
Where to Stream The Little Mermaid (2023) Online
You can watch The Little Mermaid on Prime Video, where it's currently available for streaming. If you're trying to figure out where all your favorite titles are streaming right now, Movie OTT keeps a running database of what's on which platform—it saves you from the endless scrolling and the "is it on Netflix or not?" guessing game. The Where to Watch widget at the top of this page will show you the most up-to-date availability, so you can start watching immediately once you've decided this is the film for you.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Who directed The Little Mermaid (2023)?
Michael Johnson directed this animated adaptation. It's an Australian-American co-production that brings a fresh comedic sensibility to the classic tale.
Q: Where can I watch The Little Mermaid (2023)?
The film is currently available to stream on Prime Video. Check the Where to Watch widget on this page for the most current availability across platforms.
Q: Is The Little Mermaid (2023) appropriate for kids?
Yes—it's rated TV-G, making it suitable for general audiences and families. The 98-minute runtime keeps things moving at a pace that works for younger viewers.
Q: Is this the same as the Disney live-action remake?
No. This is a separate 2023 animated film directed by Michael Johnson, not the live-action adaptation released by Disney. They're two entirely different takes on the source material.
Q: What's the plot of The Little Mermaid (2023)?
A mermaid princess makes a dangerous bargain with a sea witch after becoming fascinated with the human world. The deal promises to transform her life but forces her to confront difficult choices about sacrifice and identity.
Final Thoughts on The Little Mermaid (2023)
This isn't a film trying to be everything to everyone. It's a smaller, more focused story—one that trusts its audience to care about a character caught between two worlds, even if the execution isn't always perfect. If you're looking for a family-friendly animated film that's willing to be funny without losing sight of what actually matters, it's worth your time. Movie OTT's streaming guides can help you find it and dozens of other hidden gems across all the major platforms, so you're never stuck watching the same ten titles everyone else is.
